Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Going Deep...
The other week I decided to use iTunes on my DJ laptop to create playlists of a lot of my music I use for Djing and backing them up to my IPAD and Iphone. I am finding that Alogrithm's "DJay" application will get me out of a bind if my laptop were to fail during a gig. I am really done with lugging around CDs. So now I have a really nice system of getting new music from my record pool... importing to Traktor and then to iTunes...updating playlists...then updating phone.
That means my phone is always up to date with the latest top40 offerings plus a whole lof of classic tuneage. But what I listen to on a day to day basis is not Top40...or rock....or retro. Instead I listen to various forms of house music. That music for some reason or another (actually because I really hate that I have to use Itunes to put music on my iphone) never makes it onto my iphone...or rarely does. That leaves me with an iphone full of music that I don't particularily want to listen to...
The current EDM scene that has taking over the airwaves is starting to annoy me a little. The elements of Trance music (that has been around for a very long time) and what makes/made it so popular is now making its way onto every pop release out there. Soaring synths...blasting horns....drum rolls that seem to last forever until the 4 to the floor beat finally drops after an ear piercing crescendo! The problem is it's been done before....it's predictable....it's BORING! Plus I was never a big fan of Trance to begin with...sorry Tiesto.
Anyhow, the other day i was listening to some new top40 downloads and came across "Goin' In" by Jennifer Lopez ft Flo Rida. I had to stop listening to it....I thought to myself what the hell is this? Not picking on Jennifer Lopez really...kinda like "Dance Again". I think it is just the state of EDM music at the moment. Every pop artist is jumping on the bandwagon and the producers all seem to have this formula to make music that appeals to a generation of North American Kids who are just getting into electronic music (yes they are very late). The problem for me is I have been listening to various forms of electronica for 20 years or so and this stuff just makes me gag...well maybe that is a strong word....roll my eyes would be more appropriate.
So instead...I checked the archives as well as a short visit to Beatport and filled a USB stick with some nice Deep/Tech house grooves. A car deck with a USB drive is a usefull thing.
That means my phone is always up to date with the latest top40 offerings plus a whole lof of classic tuneage. But what I listen to on a day to day basis is not Top40...or rock....or retro. Instead I listen to various forms of house music. That music for some reason or another (actually because I really hate that I have to use Itunes to put music on my iphone) never makes it onto my iphone...or rarely does. That leaves me with an iphone full of music that I don't particularily want to listen to...
The current EDM scene that has taking over the airwaves is starting to annoy me a little. The elements of Trance music (that has been around for a very long time) and what makes/made it so popular is now making its way onto every pop release out there. Soaring synths...blasting horns....drum rolls that seem to last forever until the 4 to the floor beat finally drops after an ear piercing crescendo! The problem is it's been done before....it's predictable....it's BORING! Plus I was never a big fan of Trance to begin with...sorry Tiesto.
Anyhow, the other day i was listening to some new top40 downloads and came across "Goin' In" by Jennifer Lopez ft Flo Rida. I had to stop listening to it....I thought to myself what the hell is this? Not picking on Jennifer Lopez really...kinda like "Dance Again". I think it is just the state of EDM music at the moment. Every pop artist is jumping on the bandwagon and the producers all seem to have this formula to make music that appeals to a generation of North American Kids who are just getting into electronic music (yes they are very late). The problem for me is I have been listening to various forms of electronica for 20 years or so and this stuff just makes me gag...well maybe that is a strong word....roll my eyes would be more appropriate.
So instead...I checked the archives as well as a short visit to Beatport and filled a USB stick with some nice Deep/Tech house grooves. A car deck with a USB drive is a usefull thing.
Here are some tunes I am digging at the moment...
1. Heart & Spirt (Christian Hawk & Timid Boy Naked Mix) - Francesco Bonora
2. Reaching - Stelios Vassiloudis
3. Deep Beginning - Karol XVII and Mb Valence
4. Paris (No Vocal) - Andrade
5. This Time (Gorge Remix) - Lovebirds, Sebastian Dring
6. Unkown (Dixon Mix) - Saschienne
7. Night Track (M.A.N.D.Y Remix) - Sasha, James Teej
8. Red Roses - Marius Laurentiu, Andrea Bigi
So for the time being I am going to be a top40 music snob and I am going Deep...
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
My beloved Iphone...almost lost...
This post is not music related...but I had to post this story to share it with you all and have it documented on the interweb...
This past weekend I was at BMO field to watch Toronto FC and I did a really really stupid thing. I lost my iphone. However, a worker at BMO field found it and did the right thing, she got in touch with me to return it.
Dear John Moerman,
This past weekend I was at BMO field to watch Toronto FC and I did a really really stupid thing. I lost my iphone. However, a worker at BMO field found it and did the right thing, she got in touch with me to return it.
 |
| My Iphone and its Cassette Case Cover |
Here is my letter to Fan Services:
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter to praise the actions of one of your staff members in the clean-up crew at BMO Field. Last weekend I attended the DC United vs TFC match and at half time realized my iphone was not in my pocket! After a quick look around and assumption that it was still in the car you could imagine the panic and distress from losing such an expensive device!
On the Monday following the game I recieved a phone call from an Angelina. She had found my phone in the stands while cleaning and found it in her heart to call me to report it found!! That very day I considered replacing it at a cost of $280 with new 3yr contract with our friends at Rogers Communications.
A used iphone 4 on the Craigslist/Kijiji market could easily fetch $250-$300 cash and Angelina instead opted to do the right thing and track down the original owner, something that not many would do.
When we met up for the exhange I handed her some giftcards as a small token of appreciation. I am hoping this email will give her some additional recognition by her employer for her extreme act of kindness.
Yours truly,
Season Ticket Holder...
I am writing this letter to praise the actions of one of your staff members in the clean-up crew at BMO Field. Last weekend I attended the DC United vs TFC match and at half time realized my iphone was not in my pocket! After a quick look around and assumption that it was still in the car you could imagine the panic and distress from losing such an expensive device!
On the Monday following the game I recieved a phone call from an Angelina. She had found my phone in the stands while cleaning and found it in her heart to call me to report it found!! That very day I considered replacing it at a cost of $280 with new 3yr contract with our friends at Rogers Communications.
A used iphone 4 on the Craigslist/Kijiji market could easily fetch $250-$300 cash and Angelina instead opted to do the right thing and track down the original owner, something that not many would do.
When we met up for the exhange I handed her some giftcards as a small token of appreciation. I am hoping this email will give her some additional recognition by her employer for her extreme act of kindness.
Yours truly,
Season Ticket Holder...
This was the response from Fan Services.
Thanks for your email and taking the time to write in with high praise. We just received your email from Michelle Risi who has passed it along to Angelina and her boss. We are glad your iPhone was returned safe and sound and we hope to see you at BMO Field again soon!
Sincerely,
Fan Services
Here are a few tips that can save you from losing your phone for good:
1. Turn on "Find My Iphone" in settings...location services.
2. If you are a rogers customer register your phone at www.rogersphonefinder.com
3. If you are really bad with your phone purchase a "wireless leash" from http://www.zomm.com/
Don't do what I did which was ignore 1 and 2 above. Dumb dumb dumb. Right when I noticed it missing I could have borrowed my friends smart phone and it would have told me it was in the vicinity of the stadium. Instead I assumed it was in the car. My friend who was at the game with me said "wouldn't it be great to have a device that beeps when you leave your phone behind?" or something to that effect. That is where the wireless leash from zomm comes in.
All I have to say is that I am pretty lucky. Question is what would you do if you find a valuable smartphone?
You may notice that I have labeled this post under "coolness."
Thanks again Angelina!
Monday, 7 May 2012
Ode to Adam Yauch
With the recent announcement of Beastie Boys Adam Yauch passing at the age of 47 due to cancer the twitter space was flooded with tweets remembering "MCA."
On Saturday night I thought it be appropriate to pay my own homage to the influential rapper by including some of his tracks in my set. A few weeks ago my sister in law was in New York and she bought me a T-shirt that said "You Gotta Fight For Your Right to Party". Those words of course were made famous by a track from the Beastie Boys debut album "Ill Communication" in 1986.
 |
| Words of Wisdom made famous by the Beastie Boys |
As I drove down Main St to the bar the street was packed...I guess it took the warmer weather to get people out of hiding. The bar itself was also very busy on the night. Normally I start off my set with some laid back tunes but this time around I decided to change things up and started off with another track from Beastie Boys debut album "Brass Monkey." The reaction from the crowd was most positive...I think I caught everyone by surprise.
A special shout out to Sean who was celebrating his birthday and Thanks to all his friends...the rowdy locals ;) for making it a fun night....
This is what I played from the Beastie Boys:
"Brass Monkey"
"Jimmy James"
"Fight for Your Right to Party"
"Girls"
"Paul Revere"
Not going to add the set list tonight. Let's just leave it at the 5 Beastie Boys tracks...well ok maybe one more (epic track):
"White Lines" by Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel
Sunday, 6 May 2012
RTC 12th Annual Gala
On Friday my friend Carmen invited me back to Dj the Richmond Training Centre's 12th Annual RTC Gala. About 180 parents, friends, honoured guests (Richmond Hill Mayor David Barrow and CBC commentator PJ Kwong made it out!) and figure skaters filled the Sheraton Centre North for the annual fundraiser.
This was my second time DJing the event and this time around just like last did not disappoint. Both parents and kids were ready to party and it didn't take long for the dance floor to fill up.
The set list was very top40 heavy given the younger crowd. Doing these types of events with a large age gap can be tricky. Music with sexual references and profanity is pretty much the norm these days so you have to be care full in your music selection. Luckily being a member of the ZIPDJ music pool downloads come in many flavours including clean edits without swearing. I cringe when I ref hockey and there is a young lad playing music off his smart phone during stoppages in play....yes Eminem is great...but he uses the F word a lot!
As soon as the party started glow sticks were handed out and the lights turned off. With my small light set-up the dance floor was rocking right off the bat and stayed that way well past most of the kids curfews!
It is apparent this is very tight nit group of individuals. The support for each other was apparent throughout the night especially during the awards ceremony. I guess you have to be. Figure skating being an individual sport can put a lot of pressure on an athlete therefore support is all you can rely on sometimes when battling through adversity.
In all it was a great group of people last night and I hope to work with them again in the near future.
Here is the set list. Unfortunately no pics...
1 - Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 featuring
2 - I Got That Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
3 - Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
4 - Sexy And I Know It - LMFAO
5 - We Found Love - Rihanna
6 - Feel So Close (Extended Mix) - Calvin Harris
7 - Shake Senora - Pitbull ft. T-Pain
8 - Good Feeling - Flo Rida
9 - Levels - Acivii
10 - Hello - Martin Solveig
11 - Only Girl (In The World) - Rihanna
12 - Back in Time - Pitbull
13 - Give Me All Your Luvin - Madonna
14 - The Time (Dirty Bit) - Black Eyed Peas
15 - Dynamite - Taio Cruz
16 - Club Can't Handle Me - Flo Rida
17 - Firework - Katy Perry
18 - Give Me Everything - Pitbull
19 - Don't Stop Till You Get Enough - Michael Jackson
20 - Village People - Y.M.C.A
21 - Rasputin - Boney M
22 - Boyfriend - Justin Beiber
23 - Love - Jennifer Lopez
24 - Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) - Beyonce
25 - Young, Wild & Free - Wiz Khalifa
26 - Just Can't Get Enough - The Black Eyed Peas
27 - Life Of The Party - Aleesia Life Of The Party
28 - On The Floor - Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull
29 - Beautiful People - Chris Brown
30 - Without You - David Guetta
31 - Sexy Chick - David Guetta
32 - If We Ever Meet Again - Timbaland
33 - We No Speak Americano - Yolanda Be Cool VS D Cup
34 - Bon, Bon - Pitbull
35 - I Know You Want Me - Pitbull
36 - Suavemente (Kiss Me) - Nayer ft. Mohombi & Pitbull
37 - Oh My Gosh - Usher
38 - Selena Gomez & The Scene - Love You Like A Love Song
39 - Ghosts N Stuff - Deadmau5 ft. Rob Swire
40 - Whip My Hair - Willow Smith ft. Nicki Minaj
41 - Dance (Ass) - Big Sean
42 - Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
43 - Night Fever - Bee Gees
44 - All Night Long - Lionel Richie
45 - American Boy (Remix) - Estelle ft. Busta Rhymes
46 - Crazy - Alanis Morissete
This was my second time DJing the event and this time around just like last did not disappoint. Both parents and kids were ready to party and it didn't take long for the dance floor to fill up.
The set list was very top40 heavy given the younger crowd. Doing these types of events with a large age gap can be tricky. Music with sexual references and profanity is pretty much the norm these days so you have to be care full in your music selection. Luckily being a member of the ZIPDJ music pool downloads come in many flavours including clean edits without swearing. I cringe when I ref hockey and there is a young lad playing music off his smart phone during stoppages in play....yes Eminem is great...but he uses the F word a lot!
As soon as the party started glow sticks were handed out and the lights turned off. With my small light set-up the dance floor was rocking right off the bat and stayed that way well past most of the kids curfews!
It is apparent this is very tight nit group of individuals. The support for each other was apparent throughout the night especially during the awards ceremony. I guess you have to be. Figure skating being an individual sport can put a lot of pressure on an athlete therefore support is all you can rely on sometimes when battling through adversity.
In all it was a great group of people last night and I hope to work with them again in the near future.
Here is the set list. Unfortunately no pics...
1 - Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 featuring
2 - I Got That Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
3 - Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
4 - Sexy And I Know It - LMFAO
5 - We Found Love - Rihanna
6 - Feel So Close (Extended Mix) - Calvin Harris
7 - Shake Senora - Pitbull ft. T-Pain
8 - Good Feeling - Flo Rida
9 - Levels - Acivii
10 - Hello - Martin Solveig
11 - Only Girl (In The World) - Rihanna
12 - Back in Time - Pitbull
13 - Give Me All Your Luvin - Madonna
14 - The Time (Dirty Bit) - Black Eyed Peas
15 - Dynamite - Taio Cruz
16 - Club Can't Handle Me - Flo Rida
17 - Firework - Katy Perry
18 - Give Me Everything - Pitbull
19 - Don't Stop Till You Get Enough - Michael Jackson
20 - Village People - Y.M.C.A
21 - Rasputin - Boney M
22 - Boyfriend - Justin Beiber
23 - Love - Jennifer Lopez
24 - Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) - Beyonce
25 - Young, Wild & Free - Wiz Khalifa
26 - Just Can't Get Enough - The Black Eyed Peas
27 - Life Of The Party - Aleesia Life Of The Party
28 - On The Floor - Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull
29 - Beautiful People - Chris Brown
30 - Without You - David Guetta
31 - Sexy Chick - David Guetta
32 - If We Ever Meet Again - Timbaland
33 - We No Speak Americano - Yolanda Be Cool VS D Cup
34 - Bon, Bon - Pitbull
35 - I Know You Want Me - Pitbull
36 - Suavemente (Kiss Me) - Nayer ft. Mohombi & Pitbull
37 - Oh My Gosh - Usher
38 - Selena Gomez & The Scene - Love You Like A Love Song
39 - Ghosts N Stuff - Deadmau5 ft. Rob Swire
40 - Whip My Hair - Willow Smith ft. Nicki Minaj
41 - Dance (Ass) - Big Sean
42 - Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
43 - Night Fever - Bee Gees
44 - All Night Long - Lionel Richie
45 - American Boy (Remix) - Estelle ft. Busta Rhymes
46 - Crazy - Alanis Morissete
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Sci-Fi Spectacular with the TSO
So last night Tasha and I headed down town to check out "Sci Fi Spectacular" at the Roy Thompson Hall, part of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra's "Pop Series" concerts. TSO's website states that the pop concerts "highlight popular music with an orchestral flair." This I can attest too since I have seen this and several others in the series including "Christmas with the Canadian Brass."
There is definitely a more candid approach with very well spoken and entertaining conductors who are definitely adding "flair" to the performances. For example last night conductor Jack Everly pulled out a hidden mini light saber and used it as a baton for his last performance of the night "End Title" from Star Wars. Who said symphonies had to be all serious? That's the stigma anyways. One just has to watch an Andrew Rieu concert to see that is not the case.
This is what the website had for the description of the concert:
George Takei, alias Lieutenant Sulu of the Starship Enterprise, is your host for an awesome programme of out-of-this-world favourites! You'll hear sweeping themes and dynamic suites from Star Trek, Star Wars, E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Day the Earth Stood Still, and more, plus a nostalgic medley of vintage sci-fi television themes.
I think the pops series was started to spark an interest for the younger generation... I mean what 20 somethings go to see the symphony? But to go and see and hear music you can relate to performed live...now you are talking! Yesterday I saw a sign for "TSOundcheck" a project aimed at introducing the TSO to the generation Y not only offering great concert packages but offering them at an affordable price. Both worthy attempts to fill the seats...
The concert last night was great! Hearing these theme songs live is mesmerizing and seeing the instruments that produce some of these beautiful sounds that you hear is simply incredible. I've heard the Star Wars theme medley performed live three times and during one of the softer parts...dare I say it...almost brings tears to my eyes. It is not just that it is Star Wars...but just the sound that I hear that provokes the emotional response. A few years back we saw Lord of the Rings - The Symphony and throughout the concert it was the same.
All I can say is that it is a complete 180 to what I hear on a daily basis whether it be top40, EDM or house music. Swapping out the bleeps and bloops with real instrument sounds can be quite refreshing. Of course all types of music elicits some type of response (I still get goosebumps when listening to some great electronic tracks) but for me...for some reason no where near as much as a live symphony or an opera singer. Now that I think about it "All I ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera comes to mind.
Anyhow...this is what was performed last night:
1. Main Title from Star Wars: Suite for Orchestra - John Williams
2. Lost in Syndication - Various (Arr. by Jack Everyly of TV Sci Fi Theme Songs)
3. "Adventures on Earth" from E.T. - John Williams
4. Somewhere in Time - John Barry
5. "Superman March" from Superman - John Williams
6. Star Trek Through the Years - Various (Arrangement Calvin Custer)
Intermission
7. Op.30: Intro (2001 A Space Odyssey) - Richard Strauss
8. Suite from Close Encounters of the Third Kind - John Williams
9. "Cantina Band" from Star Wars Saga - John Williams
10. The Day the Earth Stood Still - Bernard Herrman
11. "Duel of the Fates" from Star Wars Episode 1 - John Williams
12. "Throne Room" & "End Title" from Star Wars - John Williams
As a kid I watched Star Trek the original series. I wasn't a die hard fan or anything but hearing George Takei (Sulu) say those famous words "to boldly go where no one has gone before" and then hear the TSO play the theme song was a real treat. Soprano Kristen Plumley joined in and sang along with the symphony dressed in 70s Star Trek attire complete with those famous short skirts ;)
Unfortunately this concert was only a two night showing and is now done. But I am sure they will do something similar in the future. If so make sure you check it out. You won't be disappointed.
Live long and prosper and may the force be with you.
There is definitely a more candid approach with very well spoken and entertaining conductors who are definitely adding "flair" to the performances. For example last night conductor Jack Everly pulled out a hidden mini light saber and used it as a baton for his last performance of the night "End Title" from Star Wars. Who said symphonies had to be all serious? That's the stigma anyways. One just has to watch an Andrew Rieu concert to see that is not the case.
 |
| Stormtrooper on Patrol at Roy Thompson |
This is what the website had for the description of the concert:
George Takei, alias Lieutenant Sulu of the Starship Enterprise, is your host for an awesome programme of out-of-this-world favourites! You'll hear sweeping themes and dynamic suites from Star Trek, Star Wars, E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Day the Earth Stood Still, and more, plus a nostalgic medley of vintage sci-fi television themes.
I think the pops series was started to spark an interest for the younger generation... I mean what 20 somethings go to see the symphony? But to go and see and hear music you can relate to performed live...now you are talking! Yesterday I saw a sign for "TSOundcheck" a project aimed at introducing the TSO to the generation Y not only offering great concert packages but offering them at an affordable price. Both worthy attempts to fill the seats...
The concert last night was great! Hearing these theme songs live is mesmerizing and seeing the instruments that produce some of these beautiful sounds that you hear is simply incredible. I've heard the Star Wars theme medley performed live three times and during one of the softer parts...dare I say it...almost brings tears to my eyes. It is not just that it is Star Wars...but just the sound that I hear that provokes the emotional response. A few years back we saw Lord of the Rings - The Symphony and throughout the concert it was the same.
All I can say is that it is a complete 180 to what I hear on a daily basis whether it be top40, EDM or house music. Swapping out the bleeps and bloops with real instrument sounds can be quite refreshing. Of course all types of music elicits some type of response (I still get goosebumps when listening to some great electronic tracks) but for me...for some reason no where near as much as a live symphony or an opera singer. Now that I think about it "All I ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera comes to mind.
 |
| TSO Getting to Perform... |
Anyhow...this is what was performed last night:
1. Main Title from Star Wars: Suite for Orchestra - John Williams
2. Lost in Syndication - Various (Arr. by Jack Everyly of TV Sci Fi Theme Songs)
3. "Adventures on Earth" from E.T. - John Williams
4. Somewhere in Time - John Barry
5. "Superman March" from Superman - John Williams
6. Star Trek Through the Years - Various (Arrangement Calvin Custer)
Intermission
7. Op.30: Intro (2001 A Space Odyssey) - Richard Strauss
8. Suite from Close Encounters of the Third Kind - John Williams
9. "Cantina Band" from Star Wars Saga - John Williams
10. The Day the Earth Stood Still - Bernard Herrman
11. "Duel of the Fates" from Star Wars Episode 1 - John Williams
12. "Throne Room" & "End Title" from Star Wars - John Williams
As a kid I watched Star Trek the original series. I wasn't a die hard fan or anything but hearing George Takei (Sulu) say those famous words "to boldly go where no one has gone before" and then hear the TSO play the theme song was a real treat. Soprano Kristen Plumley joined in and sang along with the symphony dressed in 70s Star Trek attire complete with those famous short skirts ;)
Unfortunately this concert was only a two night showing and is now done. But I am sure they will do something similar in the future. If so make sure you check it out. You won't be disappointed.
Live long and prosper and may the force be with you.
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